Healthy Snack - Almond Granola

2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins

Heat the oven to 300°F.

Combine the oats and almonds in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan combine the honey, molasses, water, vegetable oil and cinnamon and heat through, stirring for about one minute. Pour over the oat mixture and stir to blend.

Spread the granola onto a baking sheet and toast, stirring every 10 minutes until golden-crisp, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the raisins. Cool completely before serving.

This can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to three weeks in the refrigerator or in a cool dry pantry.

Apple Smoked Barbecue Ribs

2 slabs baby back ribs, or spareribs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Apple Wood Chips

barbecue sauce (recipe below)

Preheat oven to 400F. Rub cinnamon, cloves and pepper into both sides of ribs. Place ribs on wire rack on baking pan. Bake for 3 hours until tender.

Soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes. Prepare grill. Place apple wood chips directly in the center of hot barbecue coals. Baste ribs and place on grill above wood chips. Cover, grill and cook for 10 minutes. Turn ribs, baste again and cook another 10 minutes or until ribs are browned but still moist.

Barbecue Sauce:
2−15 oz. cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup molasses
10 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons dry mustard
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
1/2 cup red wine vinegar

Combine all ingredients except vinegar in saucepan. Simmer, covered, on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add vinegar to taste and simmer for another 15 minutes. Chill at least 24 hours, or until ready to use.